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A $135 million construction project has started on a stretch of I-95 in Westchester, the New York State Thruway Authority announced on Monday.

The project focuses on the so-called "Last Mile," the final 1-mile stretch from Exit 22 (Port Chester/Rye - Midland Avenue) to the Connecticut state line, which more than 140,000 motorists travel every day.

During the past several decades, 14 miles of I-95 in the Bronx, Pelham, New Rochelle, Mamaroneck, Harrison and Rye have been reconstructed.

“This long-anticipated project to upgrade the ‘Last Mile’ is finally coming to fruition,” Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said. “This comprehensive project will benefit the thousands of motorists who travel this stretch of I-95 every day and improve the quality of life for residents who live nearby, bringing the roadway to modern standards and increasing safety.”

ECCO III Enterprises Inc. from Yonkers was awarded the Design-Bid-Build Best Value contract. Work is expected to be completed in 2021.

There are several major components to the project:

I-95 Reconstruction: The project includes reconstruction of the I-95 mainline (milepost 14.1 to milepost 15.0) along with safety upgrades including wider shoulders, updated pavement markings and the installation of guiderails and barriers. All three lanes on I-95 in both directions will be reconstructed.

Ramp Upgrades: The area contains a six-ramp interchange system with the Cross Westchester Expressway (I-287) and Midland Avenue in the City of Rye and Village of Port Chester. Several ramps will be upgraded and reconfigured to improve traffic flow.

Work includes: Replacement and realignment of the I-287 eastbound to I-95 northbound ramp bridge

Realignment of the ramp from Midland Avenue to connect directly to I-95 northbound (NOTE: Motorists should be aware this ramp will be closed for the majority of the project. A detour route has been developed and will be displayed with roadway signage.)

Widening of I-95 southbound to provide a two-lane exit ramp to I-287 westbound

Improvements to the I-95 northbound/Midland Avenue Interchange

Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation

The project also includes work on several bridges, which will be replaced or rehabilitated: